Metalcasting Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Abstract

Metalcasting research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is primarily focused on casting process development coupled with casting process modeling and advanced alloy development guided by understanding the relationships between chemistry, microstructure and mechanical properties. Lost foam process developments are focused on foam pattern consistency, gating system design, mechanical property improvement, high strength aluminum alloys and compacted graphite iron. Bonded sand process development is focused on reducing gas defects by understanding the interaction of metallostatic head pressure and gas evolution from the binder system. Process modeling research is focused on improving the accuracy of mold filling and solidification for lost foam castings, developing predictive capability for the occurrence of gas defects in bonded sand molds and developing methods to model the centrifugal casting process. Ultra high strength cast aluminum alloys, high damping capacity gray irons, and high modulus and high strength ductile irons and are being developed.